Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30&nbsp;years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.

Defense Correspondent

Chris Pocock

Airbus Helicopters recently reported military sales to both Indonesia and Thailand that could be worth approximately $400 million, according to AIN’s estimate. The deals cover six EC725s for Indonesia and two for Thailand; 11 AS565s for Indonesia; five EC645s for Thailand; and 12 AS550/AS555 Fennecs for Indonesia.

 


The first of the six EC725s for the Indonesian Air Force was handed over at Marignane last month. It will enter service in the combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) role by mid-2015, after completion at Bandung by PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI). The Indonesian airframer has a long-term relationship with Airbus Helicopters and has supplied subassemblies for the EC225/725 series since 2008. PTDI president Budi Santoso anticipates a follow-on order from the Indonesian air force for 10 more EC725s.

 


The Indonesian Navy has ordered 11 AS565 MBe Panther twin-engine rotorcraft for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. PTDI will add the sonar and torpedo launching systems at Bandung. Airbus Helicopters previously sold two AS365N3 Dauphins to Basarmas, the Indonesian SAR agency. “The Panther now becomes one of the world’s most capable light/medium ASW platforms, able to operate from corvettes or small frigates,” commented Philippe Monteux, head of the southeast Asia region for Airbus Helicopters.

 


PTDI is also installing the mission equipment for 12 Fennec helicopters being acquired by the Indonesian army for a light attack squadron. Six single-engine AS550s and six twin-engine AS555s equipped with machine guns and rocket launchers are being supplied by 2016; the first was delivered last month. “The Fennec is a highly maneuverable and agile platform with low detectability,” noted Monteux. Airbus Helicopters sold eight Fennecs to the Royal Thai Army in 2011.

 


The Royal Thai Navy ordered five EC645T2 light twins for delivery beginning in 2016. Airbus Helicopters said that this is the first export order for the military version of the EC145T2. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) signed for two more EC725s, adding to the four that it ordered in 2012. Deliveries begin next year to Lop Buri airbase, where the RTAF will also operate the EC725 on SAR and CSAR missions.&nbsp;

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